7 things to do in the capital region, from a romance book pop-up to a Taylor Swift tribute concert

Jeanette Thompson loves love. And she loves sharing love stories with others who also love love.

Saturday is Bookstore Romance Day, a national annual event designed for bookstores to celebrate romance novels. Several bookstores in the DMV are participating, but there’s only one romance-specific shop in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

Thompson, the owner of the Montgomery County-based pop-up bookstore Romantique Books, is using the occasion to spend more time connecting with local romance novel enthusiasts.

“People like to talk about what they love, and we give them a safe space to talk about what they love,” Thompson said. “People who don’t read romance tend to look down on it. They kind of brush it off, and it can be disheartening because people don’t realize just how good some of these books really are.”

Romantique Books opened about a year ago with a light-pink cart on wheels attached to a bike, adorned with red and pink hearts and cursive script reading, “L’amour en Route.” Thompson primarily carries independent authors and underrepresented voices.

The pop-up event will take place Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., mostly outside the Silver Spring office space where the Romantique team works (2141 Industrial Parkway). Frederick tattoo artist Cheyenne Robinson will set up indoors, offering “bookish-themed tattoos” and some temporary tats for those less adventurous.

The first 50 guests will receive swag bags. A raffle, announced later in the day, will award winners prizes, including a tote bag, a coupon for a tattoo from Robinson and a blind date with a book. Local author J.K. Hernandez will also host a meet and greet.

Thompson hopes that bringing readers together can help them find a sense of escape and community through their shared love of romance novels.

“Everyone wants a happily ever after,” she said.

Beyond Bookstore Romance Day, readers can find Romantique Books at pop-ups around the DMV, including Saint’s Row Brewery in Gaithersburg and the Fright Reads Book Festival in Howard County in October.

Here are more happenings this weekend around Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.

A free Taylor Swift tribute concert

Thursday from 6-8 p.m.

The final installment of Montgomery County Parks’ summer concert series arrives this week at Cabin John Regional Park with Baltimore pop singer-songwriter Enslow, where she plans to sing “your favorite hits from the world’s biggest pop star.”

Entry is free. Food from El Jefe Wood Fired Pizza and beer from Waredaca Brewing Co. will be available for purchase.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

Friday, Aug. 14-Saturday, Aug. 22; times vary

One of Maryland’s largest county fairs returns this weekend, bringing food, carnival rides and farm animals to Gaithersburg. New this year: Krispy Kreme burgers, twice the monster truck rallies and rodeos, and a sensory-friendly morning.

Tickets are $17-$20; children 11 and under get in free.

A free ‘Parent Trap’ screening

Friday at 6:30 p.m.

Cabin John Village’s free Movies on the Green program continues with its monthly showing: “The Parent Trap.” Activities begin at 6:30; the movie begins at sunset. Organizers suggest you bring your own blankets or chairs.

Entry is free.

The 50th anniversary of ‘Roots’

Saturday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Next Thursday marks the 50th anniversary of Alex Haley’s 1976 novel “Roots: The Saga of an American Family.” The Riversdale Historic Site & Museum is honoring its impact, legacy and Maryland connections in a moderated conversation with Chris Haley, the author’s descendant, with audience questions included.

Tickets are $15.

Birding 101

Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Clearwater Nature Center in Clinton is hosting a beginner’s guide to bird-watching. Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair from the center; attendees must be 14 or older.

Tickets are $5 for Prince George’s County residents and $7 for nonresidents.

A Simple Plan concert

Sunday at 7 p.m.

Pretend you’re still “just a kid” this weekend at MGM National Harbor, where aughts rock band A Simple Plan brings its Bigger Than You Think! Tour, featuring special guests Bowling for Soup and 3OH!3.

Tickets range from $86 to $205.